Record Number of Pharmacy Technicians Seek Certification Through PTCB

Certification as a pathway to new job opportunities and expanded responsibility.

WASHINGTON, DC. - Record numbers of pharmacy technicians continue to seek certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), a pioneer in the credentialing industry. Over 400,000 pharmacy technicians nationwide have earned the PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential since 1995 and more than 55,000 candidates sat for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) in 2010 alone.

As medication regimens become more complex and cost-conscious insurers rely on pharmacists to provide direct-patient care and medication therapy management, PTCB certified pharmacy technicians will continue to be relied upon to keep pharmacy operations running smoothly.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010–11 Edition, projects that pharmacy technician employment is expected to increase more than 31% by 2018. The BLS also suggests that pharmacy technicians with formal education or training, previous work experience, and national certification will be specifically sought after to meet these demands.

"Certification through PTCB represents an excellent pathway to employment for pharmacy technicians practicing in the United States," said Melissa Murer Corrigan, RPh, Executive Director and CEO of PTCB, "It also enables pharmacy technicians to meet the growing demands of a changing pharmacy landscape."

An increasing number of states have decided to allow only pharmacy technicians certified through PTCB to be employed by pharmacies. Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and are accountable to the supervising pharmacist who is legally responsible through state licensure for the care and safety of patients served by the pharmacy.

"America's evolving health care system calls for qualified support personnel that will enable pharmacists to provide patient-centered care with authority and autonomy," said Thomas E. Menighan, BSPharm, MBA, FAPhA, Chair, PTCB Board of Governors. "PTCB's certification program not only assesses technicians' knowledge up front, but also requires ongoing commitment to the profession by requiring technicians to maintain certification through continuing education."

PTCB's certification program offers flexible testing at more than 200 Pearson Professional Centers nationwide; efficient score reporting of pass/fail results available to candidates immediately after completing the PTCE; and certification verification for employers who require current certification for technician employment. Pharmacy technicians may apply to take the PTCE online at www.ptcb.org, and may follow PTCB on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to connect with others dedicated to PTCB certification and patient safety.